National Midwifery Officer (Mentoring)
Organizational Context
UNFPA is the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, committed to a world where every pregnancy is wanted, childbirth is safe, and young people's potential is fulfilled. In Bangladesh, UNFPA collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, specifically the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), to enhance the national midwifery program. The agency's work in Bangladesh since 1974 focuses on ending unmet family planning needs, preventable maternal deaths, and gender-based violence, aligning with its 10th Country Programme (2022-2026).
Job Purpose
This role supports the strengthening of the national midwifery program in Bangladesh by providing essential technical expertise to the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM). The objective is to ensure the program remains updated with international standards, evolving technologies, and new approaches in midwifery. The National Midwifery Officer will regularly assess the global technical landscape, advise national leadership on necessary steps, and offer technical support for implementing advancements. This position is crucial for bridging the gap in dedicated technical midwifery support at the DGNM headquarters and will serve as a key technical advisor on clinical and technical midwifery matters.
Responsibilities
The National Midwifery Officer will provide high-level technical support to national and district authorities on midwifery mentorship policies, standards, and workforce development. Responsibilities include updating clinical training materials, standard operating procedures, and guidelines in line with WHO and ICM standards. The officer will offer hands-on clinical mentorship to midwives and supervisors on emergency obstetric and newborn care, family planning, and SRHR. Key tasks involve developing mentorship tracking tools, conducting clinical audits, leading quality improvement initiatives, and supporting the nationwide rollout of the mentorship program. Additionally, the role entails supporting Training of Trainers programs, coordinating with stakeholders to improve midwife working conditions and supply chains, and contributing technical inputs to national policies and strategic plans for midwifery workforce development and quality of care.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of progressive clinical experience in midwifery practice is required. Extensive experience as a clinical preceptor, educator, or mentor in diverse settings is essential. Experience in resource-limited or humanitarian settings is highly desirable. Proven ability to develop clinical guidelines and training manuals is necessary. Experience with government and development program projects is preferable. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is also required.
Skills
Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. Technical expertise areas include community development, administration, nursing, midwifery, paramedics, and medical technology. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for working effectively with diverse groups and individuals.